In a strongly worded statement issued today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the United States’ decision to proceed with the imposition of tariffs on Canadian goods. The U.S. tariffs, amounting to 25% on Canadian exports and 10% on Canadian energy products, were introduced despite a pause of 30 days, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing trade dispute between the two neighboring nations.
Trudeau was unequivocal in his stance, asserting that these actions by the U.S. were entirely unjustified. He stressed that while less than 1% of the fentanyl intercepted at the U.S. border originates from Canada, Canada has been proactive in combatting this deadly substance, which has claimed lives on both sides of the border. Through a robust $1.3 billion border security initiative, Canada has equipped itself with enhanced resources, including helicopters, additional personnel, and increased coordination, to stop the flow of fentanyl.
The Canadian government has also taken decisive steps to tackle organized crime, appointing a Fentanyl Czar, designating transnational criminal cartels as terrorist organizations, and setting up the Joint Operational Intelligence Cell. Furthermore, a new Canada-U.S. Joint Strike Force on organized crime has been established. As a result of these actions, fentanyl seizures from Canada have plummeted by 97% from December 2024 to January 2025, with U.S. Customs and Border Protection seizing just 0.03 pounds of fentanyl – a near-zero amount.
Despite these efforts, the U.S. has opted to move forward with its tariff plan, which Trudeau labeled as an unjustified and damaging action. In response, Canada has made it clear that it will not accept this decision without a countermeasure. If U.S. tariffs are enacted, Canada will impose its own 25% tariffs on $155 billion worth of U.S. goods. Initially, this will include tariffs on $30 billion worth of American products, with the remaining $125 billion following in 21 days. These tariffs will remain in place until the U.S. reverses its decision on the tariffs against Canada.
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The Prime Minister emphasized that this move is not just about retaliation but about standing firm in defense of Canada’s economy, its workers, and the principle of fair trade. Trudeau underscored the potential consequences of these tariffs for American consumers, warning that U.S. citizens would face higher prices on everyday essentials like groceries, gasoline, and cars. Additionally, the tariffs could result in the loss of thousands of American jobs, disrupting what has historically been an incredibly successful and mutually beneficial trade relationship between the two countries. Trudeau further pointed out that these actions also breach the very trade agreements negotiated under former President Trump.
While Canada remains open to diplomatic solutions, the message from Prime Minister Trudeau is clear: Canada will defend its interests and hold the U.S. accountable for this unjustified trade action. As discussions continue, Canada remains committed to fair and balanced trade practices that benefit both nations.
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